Is Durango the best U.S. river town?

Outside magazine runs contest to select winner of 10 finalists

Durango has been named one of ten finalists for Outside magazines Best River Town in America competition. The winner will be revealed in the October 2012 issue, coinciding with the publications 35th anniversary, and will be featured in a segment on the Outside Television channel.

The ten candidates were winnowed from an initial list of 75100 with the help of conservation nonprofit American Rivers, said Ryan Krogh, a research editor for Outside.

To qualify for the award, a town needs active recreational engagement with nearby waterways  kayaking, boating, walking and bike paths and riverfront parks  and a positive environmental story, according to a news release.

Stacy Falk of 4Corners River Sports agreed that most Durangoans have an ingrained ethic of respect for area water systems.

I went to all the meetings about public access, and the turnout was incredible. People want to be involved, she said. Informing tourists who come to town is important so they respect the river in the same way.

Locals and visitors alike can show their support by voting on Outsides Facebook page and by submitting photos, videos and comments.

The winning town will be determined by total votes cast and creativity of submitted content. The grass-roots selection process is a new addition for this years contest.

Its been fun to have our readers, and others who are passionate about the outdoors, weigh in with direct feedback, said Krogh.

To negate the advantage larger cities have in terms of sheer voting numbers, Outside editors will look subjectively at enthusiasm and livability measures as well, Krogh added.

The Animas Rivers central location, Gold Medal trout fishing designation and adjacent river trail  now spanning a contiguous seven miles after the Durango Mall missing link was completed earlier this month  are unique and desirable qualities.

Mayor Doug Lyon described the Animas as a veritable water playground ... at the heart of our community.

Anne Klein, spokeswoman for the Durango Area Tourism Office, called the selection a third-party endorsement with credibility.

Its that old adage: We can say were great, but when others say youre great, its so much better, she said.

In 2011, Durango received plaudits from Outside, Mens Journal, Policom, True West Magazine and Outdoor Life. During April of this year, Outside ranked Durango second to Lake Wanaka, New Zealand, for Best New Adventure Hub.

lgroskopf@durangoherald.com

On the Net

To vote for Durango in Outside magazines Best River Town in American contest, visit www.facebook.com/outsidemagazine